Gaming apparatus executing race by a plurality of race objects, and game control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine, comprising a controller programmed to execute the processing of:
         (A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of race objects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed condition is established;   (B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; and   (C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in the processing (B) when the special racing game executed in the processing (A) results in a prescribed result.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on Japanese PatentApplication No. 2007-216228 filed on Aug. 22, 2007. The contents of thisapplication are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus that executes a raceby a plurality of race objects, and a game control method thereof.

Conventionally, there have been known racing games, such as horse racinggame apparatuses, in which a plurality of race objects contend with oneanother for winning (cf. see U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No.6,358,150, U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944,JP-A2001-87461, U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,991, JP-B 3291287, U.S. Pat. No.6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No.6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429,U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,508). In general, aplayer who plays on the gaming apparatus of this kind predicts whichrace object will win based on information provided from the gamingapparatus or intuitive prediction, and bets game media such as medals onthe race object. When the prediction proves correct, the player canreceive a payout corresponding to the bet.

The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,150, U.S.Pat. No. 6,450,887, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,944, JP-A 2001-87461, U.S. Pat.No. 6,848,991, JP-B3291287, U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,410, JP-B 3366308, U.S.Pat. No. 6,921,331, U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,550, JP-A 2002-85852, U.S. Pat.No. 6,962,529, JP-A 2002-035429, U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,353, and U.S. Pat.No. 7,172,508 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The foregoing horse racing game apparatus provides a game patternedafter an actual horse racing. However, in the horse racing gameapparatus, existing horses do not actually run in a race right in frontof players as in the actual horse racing, and there has thus been aproblem that the gaming machine lacks realness and looks inferior to theactual horse racing. Hence there has been a problem that the player getsbored of the game in a short period of time.

On the other hand, in such a horse racing game apparatus, there has beena scope for improving interesting aspects as a game by devising whatcannot be done in the actual horse race and can be done only by thegaming machine.

The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problems, andhas an object to provide a gaming machine and a game controlling method,having enough interesting aspects to prevent a player from quicklygetting bored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the foregoing problems, the present invention providesthe following.

A gaming machine, comprising

a controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout; and

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in theprocessing (B) when the special racing game executed in the processing(A) results in a prescribed result.

According to the invention of (1), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (1), a new game that isdifferent from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(2) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (1), wherein

the controller is further programmed to execute processing of

(D) displaying an image showing the ranking determined in the processing(B) to the display device in a prescribed mode in accordance with theprogress of the special racing game executed in the processing (A).

According to the invention of (2), an image showing the determinedranking is displayed in a prescribed mode (e.g. mode of displaying theplurality of rankings in order and then displaying the image showing thedetermined ranking for a fixed period) in accordance with the progressof the special racing game. It is thereby possible to allow the playerto visually recognize easily which ranking of the payout has beenoffered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(3) The gaming apparatus according to the above-mentioned (2), wherein

the prescribed result is that a prescribed race object finishes first,and

the processing (D) includes the processing of:

(D-1) displaying an image showing a plurality of race objects running;

(D-2) displaying images showing the respective rankings in a first modewhile the image displayed in the processing (D-1) is on display;

(D-3) displaying an image showing the prescribed race object finishingfirst; and

(D-4) displaying the image showing the ranking determined in theprocessing (B) at a position the closest to an image showing a goalpoint among the images showing the respective rankings, when the imageaccording to the processing (D-3) is displayed

According to the invention of (3), an image showing a plurality of raceobjects running is displayed, and during the display, images showing therespective rankings are displayed in a first mode (e.g. mode ofdisplaying the plurality of rankings in order). Subsequently, an imageshowing the prescribed race object finishing is displayed, and an imageshowing the determined ranking, out of the images showing the respectiverankings, is displayed at a position the closest to an image showing agoal point. Hence the player can be aware that the prescribed raceobject finished first and that a payout will be offered, and can also beaware of the ranking for the payout. Consequently, when an image showinga ranking for a large amount of payout is displayed, the player can feelpleasure at the large amount of payout in addition to pleasure for beingoffered a payout so as to feel a large upsurge of sentiment. Further,when an image showing a ranking for a small amount of payout isdisplayed, the player feels pleasure for being offered a payout, andtriggered by that pleasure, the player can have an expectation forobtaining a larger amount of payout next time.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(4) The gaming machine according to the above-mentioned (1), comprising

an input device with which a player can input a direction,

wherein

the controller is further programmed to execute the processing of:

(E) accepting a BET of game media on a normal racing game that isdifferent from the special racing game, from the input device; and

(F) cumulatively storing at least part of the game media betted in theprocessing (E), and

the processing (C) is processing of offering a payout based upon theranking determined in the processing (B) out of the game mediacumulatively stored in the processing (F) when the special racing gameexecuted in the processing (A) results in a prescribed result.

According to the invention of (4), a BET of game media on a normalracing game that is different from the special racing game is accepted;at least part of the bet game media is cumulatively stored; and when thespecial racing game results in a prescribed result, a payout for thespecial racing game is offered from the cumulatively stored game media.Therefore, when the normal racing game is played, the amount of storedgame media increases, and thus the amount of game media to be offered asthe payout can also increases. It is therefore possible to furtherenhance the expectation of the player. Moreover, since the payout forthe special racing game is offered from the cumulatively stored gamemedia, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the owner side willsuffer a large loss.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(5) A gaming machine, comprising

a display capable of displaying an image, and

a controller,

the controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout;

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in theprocessing (B) when the special racing game executed in the processing(A) results in a prescribed result; and

(D) scroll-displaying to the display device a strip-shaped image whereimages showing the respective rankings are arranged in a prescribedorder in accordance with the progress of the special racing gameexecuted in the processing (A), and then stop-displaying the imageshowing the ranking determined in the processing (B).

According to the invention of (5), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (5), a new game that isdifferent from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, after the strip-shaped image where images showing therespective rankings are arranged in a prescribed order isscroll-displayed to the display device in accordance with the progressof the special racing game, the image showing the determined ranking isstop-displayed. Therefore, with concurrent execution of a visual effect,it is possible to allow the player to easily recognize which ranking ofthe payout is offered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(6) A gaming machine, comprising

a display capable of displaying an image, and

a controller,

the controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout;

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in theprocessing (B) when the special racing game executed in the processing(A) results in a prescribed result; and

(D) scroll-displaying to the display device a strip-shaped image whereimages showing the respective rankings are arranged in a prescribedorder in accordance with the progress of the special racing gameexecuted in the processing (A), and then displaying the image showingthe ranking determined in the processing (B) at a position closer to animage showing a goal point than any other images showing the rankings.

According to the invention of (6), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (6), a new game that isdifferent from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, after the strip-shaped image where images showing therespective rankings are arranged in a prescribed order isscroll-displayed to the display device in accordance with the progressof the special racing game, the image showing the determined ranking isdisplayed at a position the closest to an image showing a goal point.Therefore, with concurrent execution of a visual effect, it is possibleto allow the player to easily recognize which ranking of the payout isoffered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(7) A gaming controlling method, comprising the steps of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout; and

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in the step (B)when the special racing game executed in the step (A) results in aprescribed result.

According to the invention of (7), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (7), a new game that isdifferent from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(8) The game controlling method according to the above-mentioned (7),further comprising the step of

(D) displaying an image showing the ranking determined in the step (B)to the display device in a prescribed mode in accordance with theprogress of the special racing game executed in the step (A).

According to the invention of (8), an image showing the determinedranking is displayed in a prescribed mode (e.g. mode of displaying theplurality of rankings in order and then displaying the image showing thedetermined ranking for a fixed period) in accordance with the progressof the special racing game. It is thereby possible to allow the playerto visually recognize easily which ranking of the payout has beenoffered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(9) The game controlling method according to the above-mentioned (8),wherein

the prescribed result is that a prescribed race object finishes first,and

the step (D) includes the steps of:

(D-1) displaying an image showing a plurality of race objects running;

(D-2) displaying images showing the respective rankings in a first modewhile the image displayed in the step (D-1) is on display;

(D-3) displaying an image showing the prescribed race object finishingfirst; and

(D-4) displaying the image showing the ranking determined in the step(B) at a position the closest to an image showing a goal point among theimages showing the respective rankings, when the image according to thestep (D-3) is displayed.

According to the invention of (9), an image showing a plurality of raceobjects running is displayed, and during the display, images showing therespective rankings are displayed in a first mode (e.g. mode ofdisplaying the plurality of rankings in order). Subsequently, an imageshowing the prescribed race object finishing is displayed, and an imageshowing the determined ranking, out of the images showing the respectiverankings, is displayed at a position the closest to an image showing agoal point. Hence the player can be aware that the prescribed raceobject finished first and that a payout will be offered, and can also beaware of the ranking for the payout. Consequently, when an image showinga ranking for a large amount of payout is displayed, the player can feelpleasure at the large amount of payout in addition to pleasure for beingoffered a payout so as to feel a large upsurge of sentiment. Further,when an image showing a ranking for a small amount of payout isdisplayed, the player feels pleasure for being offered a payout, andtriggered by that pleasure, the player can have an expectation forobtaining a larger amount of payout next time.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(10) The game controlling method according to the above-mentioned (7),comprising the steps of:

(E) accepting a BET of game media on a normal racing game that isdifferent from the special racing game, from the input device; and

(F) cumulatively storing at least part of the game media betted in thestep (E), and

the step (C) is step of offering a payout based upon the rankingdetermined in the step (B) out of the game media cumulatively stored inthe step (F) when the special racing game executed in the step (A)results in a prescribed result.

According to the invention of (10), when a BET of game media on a normalracing game that is different from the special racing game is placed, atleast part of the bet game media is cumulatively stored. Then, when thespecial racing game results in a prescribed result, a payout for thespecial racing game is offered from the cumulatively stored game media.Therefore, when the normal racing game is played, the amount of storedgame media increases, and thus the amount of game media to be offered asthe payout can also increases. It is therefore possible to furtherenhance the expectation of the player. Moreover, since the payout forthe special racing game is offered from the cumulatively stored gamemedia, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the owner side willsuffer a large loss.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(11) A game controlling method, comprising the steps of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout;

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in the step (B)when the special racing game executed in the step (A) results in aprescribed result; and

(D) scroll-displaying to the display device a strip-shaped image whereimages showing the respective rankings are arranged in a prescribedorder in accordance with the progress of the special racing gameexecuted in the step (A), and then stop-displaying the image showing theranking determined in the step (B).

According to the invention of (11), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (11), a new game thatis different from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, after the strip-shaped image where images showing therespective rankings are arranged in a prescribed order isscroll-displayed to the display device in accordance with the progressof the special racing game, the image showing the determined ranking isstop-displayed. Therefore, with concurrent execution of a visual effect,it is possible to allow the player to easily recognize which ranking ofthe payout is offered.

Further, the present invention provides the following.

(12) A game controlling method, comprising the steps of:

(A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects contend with each other for winning when a prescribed conditionis established;

(B) determining one ranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankingsfor payout;

(C) offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in the step (B)when the special racing game executed in the step (A) results in aprescribed result; and

(D) scroll-displaying to the display device a strip-shaped image whereimages showing the respective rankings are arranged in a prescribedorder in accordance with the progress of the special racing gameexecuted in the step (A), and then displaying the image showing theranking determined in the step (B) at a position closer to an imageshowing a goal point than any other images showing the rankings.

According to the invention of (12), when a prescribed condition isestablished (e.g. the special racing game is determined to be executedby the lottery), a special racing game in which a plurality of raceobjects (e.g. racehorses) contend with one another for winning is madeto proceed. Further, one ranking for payout is determined out of aplurality of rankings for payout, and when the special racing gameresults in a prescribed result (e.g. a prescribed racehorse finishesfirst), a payout is offered based upon the determined ranking.Therefore, the player can obtain the payout based upon the determinedranking when the prescribed condition is established and the specialracing game results in the prescribed result.

As thus described, according to the invention of (12), a new game thatis different from a normal racing game in which a payout is offered inaccordance with a BET can be provided when a BET on a ranking of finishof a racehorse is accepted from the player and when his or herprediction proves correct. With this new game provided, it is possibleto prevent the player from getting bored and to make the player fullyenjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, after the strip-shaped image where images showing therespective rankings are arranged in a prescribed order isscroll-displayed to the display device in accordance with the progressof the special racing game, the image showing the determined ranking isdisplayed at a position the closest to an image showing a goal point.Therefore, with concurrent execution of a visual effect, it is possibleto allow the player to easily recognize which ranking of the payout isoffered.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gamingapparatus and a game control method, which have such interesting aspectsthat can prevent the player from being soon bored of the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitorof a station installed in a horse racing game apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of thehorse racing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of thestations shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a maingame portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a stationprovided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processingperformed in the main game portion and the station.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an example of images displayed tothe sub monitor.

FIG. 8 is flowchart showing a subroutine of popularity rankingdetermination processing performed in the main game portion.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a previous race popularityranking table stored in an external storage device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of total popularity rankingdetermination processing performed in the main game portion.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bet information displayprocessing performed in the main game portion.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the mainmonitor.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a racing game executionprocessing performed in the main game portion.

FIG. 14 is flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game executionprocessing performed in the station.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present embodiment is described based on thedrawings. In the following, the case of applying the present inventionto a horse racing game apparatus is described as a preferred embodimentof the present invention. It is to be noted that a game in the presentinvention is a game totally processed by a CPU, except for inputperformed by a player.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a sub monitorof a station installed in a horse racing game apparatus according to thepresent embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a horseracing game apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of thestations shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, a horse racing game apparatus 1 includes a mainmonitor 21, and a plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face themain monitor 21.

The station 101 is equipped with a sub monitor 113 having a touch panel114 on the front face thereof.

In the horse racing game apparatus 1, first, a bet from a player seatedat each station 101 is accepted through the touch panel 114. The playercan predict a combination of horse numbers of horses that will finishfirst and second in any order, and can place a BET on the predictedcombination of the horse numbers of the horses that will finish firstand second. When a BET acceptance period ends, an image of a pluralityof racehorses running in a race is displayed on the main monitor 21.When the player's prediction comes true, coins are paid out in numberbased upon the number of BETs and odds.

Further, in the horse racing game apparatus 1, a bonus game is executedat the station 101 selected by lottery out of the stations 101 where aplayer bets not less than 20 coins in the last race. In this bonus game,one racehorse is allocated to the player, and when this racehorsefinishes first, a payout is offered based upon one progressive jackpot(hereinafter also referred to as a JP) determined out of three kinds ofprogressive jackpots: Mini, Major and Grand.

The main monitor 21 corresponds to the display in the present invention.Further, the bonus game corresponds to the special racing game in thepresent invention. Moreover, Mini, Major and Grand correspond to therankings in the present invention.

FIG. 1 is the image displayed to the sub-monitor of the station wherethe bonus game is in execution.

As shown in FIG. 1, a racehorse image 170 is which shows a plurality ofracehorses running from the right side toward the left side of thesub-monitor 113 is displayed to the sub-monitor 113.

Further, at the back of the racehorse image 170, an inner latch image171 showing an inner latch (a fence inside a race track) is displayed.In the inner latch image 171, a ranking image 172 showing the rankingfor JP is repeatedly displayed at fixed intervals. In FIG. 1, a rankingimage 172 a showing “Mini”, a ranking image 172 b showing “Major”, and aranking image 172 c showing “Grand” are repeatedly displayed from theleft side. Further, on the front of the inner latch image 171, a poleimage 173 showing a goal point is displayed. In FIG. 1, the rankingimage 172 a showing “Mini” is displayed at a position closer to the poleimage 173 than the other ranking images 172. In this case, when theracehorse allocated to the player finishes first, a JP for “Mini” willbe paid out.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of horseracing game apparatuses according to the present embodiment.

The horse racing game apparatus 1 includes: the main monitor 21;speakers 22 installed on both the right and left sides of the mainmonitor 21; an indicator 23 installed on a top of the main monitor 21;and the plurality of stations 101 installed so as to face the mainmonitor 21.

To the main monitor 21, an image showing the progress of a race, animage showing information based on bets, and the like, are displayed.From the speakers 22, a sound in accordance with the progress of therace is outputted. To the indicator 23, information regarding the gamein general and the like are displayed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of thestations shown in FIG. 2.

The station 101 has: a cabinet 111, a chair 112 installed inside thecabinet 111; a sub monitor 113 installed on the cabinet 111 so as toface the chair 112; a touch panel 114 installed on the screen of the submonitor 113; a bill validator 115 installed on the cabinet 111 to theright of the chair 112; and a ticket printer 116 installed below thebill validator 115.

To the sub monitor 113, a later-described bet image, an image showingthe progress of a race, and the like, are displayed. The touch panel 114is used when the player performs input, such as a bet operation thatuses the bet image.

The touch panel 114 corresponds to the input device in the presentinvention.

The bill validator 115 identifies validity of a bill, and accepts aregular bill into the cabinet 111. The bill accepted into the cabinet111 is converted into the number of coins at a prescribed rate, and thenumber of credits corresponding to the number of coins is added to thenumber of credits owned by the player. It is to be noted that the billvalidator 115 may be configured so as to be capable of reading alater-described ticket 39 with a barcode.

The ticket printer 116 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encodingdata such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identificationnumber of the station 101, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 witha barcode. The player can make another station read the ticket 39 with abarcode and play a game on that station 101, or exchange the ticket 39with a barcode with bills or the like at a prescribed place in a gamingfacility (e.g. cashier booth in a casino).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a maingame portion provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG.2.

A main game portion 11 is a central portion of the horse racing gameapparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The main game portion 11 has amain control portion 12, the main monitor 21, the speakers 22, theindicator 23, a switch 24, and an external storage device 25.

The main control portion 12 has a microcomputer 45, arranged on acircuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 45 has a CPU 41that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously setprogram, a RAM 42, and a ROM 43. The microcomputer 45 corresponds to thecontroller in the present invention

The RAM 42 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of datacomputed in the CPU 41. The ROM 43 stores a variety of programs forperforming processing necessary in controlling the horse racing gameapparatus 1, information regarding a plurality of racehorses, data onwinning percentage of each racehorse, and the like. Especially, the ROM43 stores a program for bonus game processing. The CPU 41 executes thisprogram to determine at which station 101 the bonus game will beexecuted, or to determine which one of three kinds of JPs will beselected for JP in the bonus game, and then notifies the determineditems to the station 101.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an image processing circuit 31through an I/O interface 46. The image processing circuit 31 isconnected to the main monitor 21, and controls the drive of the mainmonitor 21.

The image processing circuit 31 has a program ROM 311 (not shown), animage ROM 312 (not shown), an image control CPU 313 (not shown), a workRAM 314 (not shown), an image data processor 315 (not shown, hereinafteralso referred to as a “VDP 315”), and a video RAM 316 (not shown).

The program ROM 311 stores a program for image control regarding displaywithin the main monitor 21, and a variety of selection tables.

Further, the image ROM 312 stores, for example, dot data for forming animage within the main monitor 21 and a variety of image data such asbackground image data and image data of racehorses.

Further, the image control CPU 313 determines an image to be displayedto the main monitor 21 out of the dot data and image data previouslystored inside the image ROM in accordance with the image control programpreviously stored inside the program ROM, based on a parameter set inthe microcomputer 45.

Further, the work RAM 314 is configured as a temporary storage unit inexecution of the image control program in the image control CPU 313.

Furthermore, the VDP 315 generates image data in accordance with displaycontents determined in the image control CPU 313, and outputs the datato the main monitor 21.

Moreover, the video RAM 316 is configured as a temporary storage unit information of an image in the VDP 315.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a voice circuit 32 through theI/O interface 46. The voice circuit 32 is connected with the speakers22. The speakers 22 are provided on the right and left sides of the mainmonitor 21, and output a sound under output-control by the voice circuit32, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with an indicator driving circuit 33through the I/O interface 46. The indicator driving circuit 33 isconnected with the indicator 23. The indicator 23 is provided on the topof the main monitor 21, and displays information regarding a game ingeneral, and the like, under display-control by the indicator drivingcircuit 33, based on a drive signal from the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a switch circuit 34 through theI/O interface 46. The switch circuit 34 is connected with the switch 24.The switch 24 is provided below the main monitor 21, and inputs acommand by a setting operation performed by an operator into the CPU 41,based on a switch signal from the switch circuit 34.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a random number generator 35through the I/O interface 46. The random number generator 35 generates arandom number to be sampled by the CPU 41.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with a timer 37 through the I/Ointerface 46. The timer 37 is used for measuring time at the start of aracing game, and the like.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the external storage device 25through the I/O interface 46. The external storage device 25 is providedon the periphery of the main monitor 21. The external storage device 25stores, for example, a later-described previous race popularity rankingtable.

Further, for example, storing the dot data for forming an image and thelike into the external storage device 25 allows the external storagedevice 25 to have a function similar to that of the image ROM 312 insidethe image processing circuit 31. Therefore, when determining an image tobe displayed to the main monitor 21, the image control CPU 313 insidethe image processing circuit 31 also takes the dot data and the likepreviously stored inside the external storage device 25 as objects forthe determination.

The microcomputer 45 is connected with the communication interface 36through the I/O interface 46. The communication interface 36 isconnected with a sub control portion 102 of each of the stations 101.Therefore, the CPU 41 transmits and receives a command, a request, data,and the like, to and from each of the stations 101 through thecommunication interface 36.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of thestation provided in the horse racing game apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

The station 101 includes the sub control portion 102, the sub monitor113, the touch panel 114, the bill validator 115, and the ticket printer116.

The sub control portion 102 has the microcomputer 135 arranged on thecircuit board, as a main constituent. The microcomputer 135 has a CPU131 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previouslyset program, a RAM 132, and a ROM 133.

The RAM 132 is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of datacomputed in the CPU 131. The ROM 133 stores a variety of programs forperforming processing necessary in controlling the horse racing gameapparatus 1, a data table, and the like. Especially, the ROM 133 storesa program for proceeding with the bonus game. When receiving from themain game portion 11 a notification that the bonus game will beexecuted, the CPU 131 executes this program to proceed with the bonusgame. Specifically, the CPU 131 determines racehorses to run in thebonus game and determines what effect to be executed, and furtherperforms control to display an image based upon the determinations tothe sub-monitor 113.

Further, the ROM 133 stores a variety of image data according to thebonus game, such as image data on the racehorses, image data on therankings (Mini, Major, Grand), image data on the inner latch, and imagedata on the pole.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a sub monitor driving circuit121 through an I/O interface 136. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 isconnected with the sub monitor 113. The sub monitor driving circuit 121controls the drive of the sub monitor 113, based on a drive signal fromthe main game portion 11. The sub monitor driving circuit 121 has aconfiguration and function similar to those of the image processingcircuit 31, and for example, controls the drive of the sub monitor 113so that a later-described bet image is displayed.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a touch panel driving circuit122 through the I/O interface 136. The touch panel driving circuit 122is connected with the touch panel 114. The touch panel 114 is providedon the screen of the sub monitor 113, and inputs into the CPU 131 acommand by a touching operation of the player as a coordinate signalfrom the touch panel driving circuit 122.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a bill validator driving circuit123 through the I/O interface 136. The bill validator driving circuit123 is connected with the bill validator 115. The bill validator 115identifies validity of a bill and the ticket 39 with a barcode. Whenaccepting a regular bill, the bill validator 115 inputs the amount ofthe accepted bill into the CPU 131, based on an identification signalfrom the bill validator driving circuit 123. Further, when accepting aregular ticket 39 with a barcode, the bill validator 115 inputs into theCPU 131 the number of credits and the like which are recorded on theticket 39 with a barcode, based on an identification signal from thebill validator driving circuit 123.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a ticket printer driving circuit124 through the I/O interface 136. The ticket printer driving circuit124 is connected with the ticket printer 116. The ticket printer 116prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the numberof owned credits stored in the RAM 132, and the like, and outputs theticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode under output-control by theticket printer driving circuit 124, based on a drive signal outputtedfrom the CPU 131.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with a communication interface 125through the I/O interface 136. The communication interface 125 isconnected with the main control portion 12 of the main game portion 11.Therefore, the CPU 131 transmits and receives a command, a request,data, and the like, to and from the main game portion 11 through thecommunication interface 125.

The microcomputer 135 is connected with the timer 126 through the I/Ointerface 136. The timer 126 is used for measuring time in endingacceptance of the bet operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processingperformed in the main game portion and the station.

It is to be noted that FIG. 6 shows only processing performed in onestation 101 for the sake of avoiding complexity.

First, the game execution processing performed in the CPU 41 installedin the main game portion 11 will be described below.

In the CPU 41 installed in the main game portion 11, respectiveoperations of steps S100 to S109 are performed.

First, in step S100, the CPU 41 selects information regarding aprescribed number of (e.g. 6) racehorses out of information regarding aplurality of racehorses stored in the ROM 43, based on random numbersgenerated by the random number generator 35, and determines those horsesas racehorses to run in a race this time around. At this time, the CPU41 provides starting numbers of “1” to “6” to the racehorses to run.

Next, in step S101, the CPU 41 executes processing of determining oddsper betting ticket system. At this time, the CPU 41 sets odds, based onwinning percentage data of each racehorse which is stored in the ROM 43.Therefore, order-of-finish prediction odds including a racehorse with ahigh winning probability are set low, whereas order-of-finish predictionodds including a racehorse with a low winning probability are set high.

In step S102, the CPU 41 transmits, to each station 101, raceinformation on the racehorses to run and odds which have been determinedin the processing of steps S100 and S101.

In step S103, the CPU 41 determines a total popularity ranking by totalpopularity ranking determination processing.

In this total popularity ranking determination processing, the CPU 41determines a total popularity ranking of each racehorse, based on anaverage popularity ranking of each racehorse in past 50 racing games.

This total popularity ranking determination processing is detailed laterusing a drawing.

Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 starts measuring elapsed time t1 by thetimer 37.

After the processing of step S104, upon receipt of a BET informationsignal including the number of coins bet by the player from the CPU 131provided in the station 101, the CPU 41 stores part (2% in the presentembodiment) of the BET into the RAM 42 as a JP.

Thereafter, in step S105, the CPU 41 controls to make the VDP 315execute bet information display processing.

In this bet information display processing, the CPU 41 controls the VDP315 so as to output to the main monitor 21 an image showing the totalpopularity ranking, names of the racehorses to run, and odds, which havebeen determined in the processing of steps S100, S101 and S103. Further,the CPU 41 controls the VDP 315 so as to output to the main monitor 21an image showing the number of existing bets on each racehorse and thepopularity ranking thereof stored in the RAM 42.

This bet information display processing is detailed later using adrawing.

Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the elapsedtime t measured by the timer 37 has reached previously-set specifiedtime T1 (e.g. 60 seconds). When determining that the elapsed time t1 hasnot reached the specified time T1, the CPU 41 returns the processing tostep S106. On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time t1has reached the specified time T1, the CPU 41 shifts the processing tostep S107.

In step S107, the CPU 41 executes racing game execution processing.

In this racing game execution processing, the VDP 315 determines anorder of finish of each racehorse in the racing game, based on a randomnumber generated by the random number generator 35. The VDP 315 thenoutputs an image showing the progress of the race to the main monitor21.

This racing game execution processing is detailed later using a drawing.

In step S108, the CPU 41 determines an amount of payout for each station101, based on the order of finish of each racehorse which has beendetermined in the racing game execution processing of step S107 and on abet information signal transmitted from each station 101 inlater-described processing of step S15.

Next, in step S151, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to execute thebonus game. When determining that the bonus game will be executed, theCPU 41 determines 10 stations 101 as stations where the bonus game willbe generated, out of the stations 101 where a total of the number ofBETs is 20 or more in the racing game this time around. The CPU 41 thendetermines at which of the station 101 out of the 10 stations 101 a JPwill be offered, and determine which JP out of the three kinds of JPswill be offered. Subsequently, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to stepS152.

In step S152, the CPU 41 transmits bonus game information to the 10stations 101 determined in step S151. The bonus game informationincludes information regarding ranking of finish of racehorses allocatedto the respective stations 101, and information regarding the kinds ofJPs to be offered. It is to be noted that in the present embodiment,when it is determined that the JP for Grand will be offered, one-half ofthe JP stored in the RAM 42 is offered. When it is determined that theJP for Major will be offered, one-quarter of the JP stored in the RAM 42is offered. When it is determined that the JP for Mini will be offered,one-eighth of the JP stored in the RAM 42 is offered.

Next, in step S153, the CPU 41 subtracts a number in accordance with thekind of JP determined to be offered from the JP stored in the RAM 42.

When determining in step S151 not to execute the bonus game, or afterexecuting the processing of step S153, in step S109, the CPU 41transmits a payout amount each determined in the processing of step S108to the corresponding station 101 as payout information. Subsequently,the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.

The following description will discuss the game execution processing,which is executed by the CPU 131 provided in the station 101.

First, in step S10, the CPU 131 determines whether or not raceinformation has been received from the main game portion 11. Whendetermining that the information has not been received, the CPU 131returns the processing to step S10. On the other hand, when determiningthat the information has been received, the CPU 131 shifts theprocessing to step S11.

In step S11, the CPU 131 starts measuring elapsed time t2 by the timer126.

In step S12, the CPU 131 displays a bet image to the sub monitor 113,based on the race information transmitted from the CPU 41.

In the processing of step S12, the bet image displayed to the submonitor 113 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an example of bet imagesdisplayed to the sub monitor.

The bet image is displayed to the whole area of the sub monitor 113covered by the touch panel 114.

In more specific, on the sub monitor 113, there are displayed, in orderfrom left, a horse number display region 201; a horse name displayregion 202; a basic ability display region 203 displaying speed andstamina by means of bar charts; a record display region 204 displayingorders of finish in last five races; a condition display region 205displaying current conditions by means of arrows; and a betting ticketpurchase button region 206 displaying, with odds and number of bets, abetting ticket per chance button for quinella in which a combination ofhorse numbers that will finish first and second in any order ispredicted.

Further, on the upper side of the sub monitor 113, a help button 211, a1-bet button 213, a 5-bet button 214, a 10-bet button 215, a 50-betbutton 216, a cancel button 217, a cash-out button 218, and a bettingticket system switch button 222 are displayed in order from left. Also,a time display region 212 is disposed between the help button 211 andthe 1-bet button 213.

Moreover, on the upper right side of the sub monitor 113, there aredisplayed, in order from left, a number-of-bets display region 219, anamount-of-payout display region 220, and a number-of-credits displayregion 221.

The help button 211 is a button for displaying an operation method forbetting and the like to the sub monitor 113. In the time display region212, remaining time possible for bet-input is displayed. The 1-betbutton 213 is a button for adding “1” to the current number of bets. The5-bet button 214 is a button for adding “5” to the current number ofbets. The 10-bet button 215 is a button for adding “10” to the currentnumber of bets. The 50-bet button 216 is a button for adding “50” to thecurrent number of bets.

The player can operate those buttons (help button 211, 1-bet button 213,5-bet button 214, 10-bet button 215, 50-bet button 216) through thetouch panel 114.

The cancel button 217 is a button for canceling the added number ofbets. The cash-out button 218 is a button for paying out coins in numberin accordance with the number of credits owned by the player by means ofthe ticket 39 with a barcode. In the number-of-bets display region 219,the total number of bets set by the player in the current race isdisplayed. The amount-of-payout display region 220 displays an amount ofpayout in the race this time around. In the number-of-credits displayregion 221, the number of credits owned by the player is displayed.

The player can operate those buttons (help button 211, 1-bet button 213,5-bet button 214, 10-bet button 215, 50-bet button 216, cancel button217, cash-out button 218) through the touch panel 114.

The image shown in FIG. 7 is the image when the bet method is quinella,and when the player operates a betting ticket system switch button 222,the bet image is switched to win, place, exacta, trifecta, bracketquinella, trio, quinella-place (wide), and the like.

The player operates any of the 1-bet button 213, the 5-bet button 214,the 10-bet button 215, and the 50-bet button 216, and then operates anybetting ticket purchase button within the betting ticket purchase buttondisplay region 206, so as to place a bet. For example, when operatingthe 10-bet button 215 and then operating a “1-2” betting ticket purchasebutton within the betting ticket purchase button display region 206, theplayer can add “10” to the current number of bets on “1-2”. Here, “1-2”means that a combination of No. 1 horse and No. 2 horse will take firstand second place in any order. It is to be noted that the current numberof bets on each combination of horse numbers is displayed next to thebetting ticket purchase button corresponding to each combination.

In step S13 in FIG. 6, the CPU 131 specifies contents of the betoperation performed by the player based on a coordinate signal from thetouch panel driving circuit 122, and stores the contents into the RAM132. Further, The CPU 131 reflects the contents of the bet operation tothe display on the bet image of the sub monitor 113.

In step S14, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the bet operation hasbeen performed. When determining that the bet operation has not beenperformed, the CPU 131 returns the processing to step S13. On the otherhand, when determining that the bet operation has been performed, theCPU 131 shifts the processing to step S15.

In step S15, the CPU 131 transmits bet information showing the contentsof the bet operation as a bet information signal to the main controlportion 12 through the communication interface 125. It is to be notedthat the bet information signal includes at least an ID of a racehorseon which the bet has been placed, the number of bet game media,information regarding the type of a betting ticket, and anidentification number of the station 101.

In step S16, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the elapsed time t2measured by the timer 126 has reached previously set specified time T2(e.g. 60 seconds). When determining that the elapsed time t2 has notreached the specified time T2, the CPU 131 returns the processing tostep S13. On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time t2has reached the specified time T2, the CPU 131 shifts the processing tostep S51.

In step S51, the CPU 131 determines whether or not to have receivedbonus game information from the CPU 41 provided in the main game portion11. When determining that the bonus game information has been received,the CPU 131 shifts the processing to step S52 and executes the bonusgame processing. The bonus game processing is detailed later.

When determining that the bonus game information has not been receivedin step S51, or after execution of the processing of step S52, uponreceipt of payout information from the CPU 41 provided in the main gameportion 11, the CPU 131 updates the number of credits owned by theplayer stored in the RAM 132 based upon the received payout information(step S17). Further, the CPU 131 updates displays in theamount-of-payout display region 220 and the number-of-credits displayregion 221 on the BET image of the sub-monitor 113. After the processingof step S17, the CPU 131 completes the present subroutine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of popularity rankingdetermination processing performed in the main game portion.

The popularity ranking determination processing shown in FIG. 8 isprocessing read and executed at prescribed timing separately from thegame operation processing shown in FIG. 6.

First, in step S200, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a betinformation signal has been received from the CPU 131. When determiningthat the bet information signal has not been received, the CPU 41returns the processing to step S200. On the other hand, when determiningthat the bet information signal has been received, the CPU 41 shifts theprocessing to step S201.

In step S201, the CPU 41 extracts bet information from the received betinformation signal. Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not thenumber of existing bets has been stored in the RAM 42 in associationwith the racehorse ID included in the bet information (step S202).

Here, the number of existing bets is a numeric value showing the numberof game media having already been bet on a racehorse to run in the racethis time around.

In step S202, when determining that the number of existing bets has notbeen stored, the CPU 41 stores the number of game media included in thebet information as the number of existing bets into the RAM 42 inassociation with the racehorse ID included in the bet information (stepS203).

For example, in the case of the win betting ticket system, the verynumber of game media bet on the racehorse is stored as the number ofexisting bets. Further, in the case of the quinella betting ticketsystem, a total number of game media bet with the betting ticket may betaken as the number of existing bets on each of the racehorses predictedto take first and second place with the betting ticket, or the half ofthe game media bet with the betting ticket may be taken as the number ofexisting bets on each of the racehorses predicted to take first andsecond place with the betting ticket. Meanwhile, in the case of theexacta betting ticket system, the total number of game media bet withthe betting ticket may be taken as the number of existing bets on eachof the racehorses predicted to take first and second place with thebetting ticket, or the half of the game media bet with the bettingticket may be taken as the number of existing bets on each of theracehorses predicted to take first and second place with the bettingticket; or, the number of game media may be divided at a ratio of 7:3and the respective divided numbers of game media may be taken as thenumbers of existing bets on the racehorses predicted to take first andsecond place with the betting ticket.

In step S202, when determining that the number of existing bets has beenstored, the CPU 41 stores in the RAM 42 a figure obtained by adding thenumber of game media included in the bet information to the number ofexisting bets stored in the RAM 42 in association with the racehorse IDincluded in the bet information, as the new number of existing bets, inassociation with the racehorse ID (step S204). It is to be noted that asin the case of step S103, depending on the type of the betting ticketsystem, the very number of game media included in the bet informationmay be added to the number of existing bets, the half of the number ofgame media may be added to the number of existing bets, or the number ofgame media divided at a prescribed ratio may be added to the number ofexisting bets.

The CPU 41 compares the numbers of existing bets stored in the RAM 42 inassociation with the IDs of the respective racehorses provided with thestarting numbers of “1” to “6”, and determines a popularity ranking indecreasing order of number of existing bets (step S205). The CPU 41 thenstores the popularity ranking determined in step S205 into the RAM 42(step S206). Further, the CPU 41 sets an update flag (step S207).

In step S208, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a race end flag hasbeen set. When determining that the race end flag has not been set, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S200. On the other hand, whendetermining that the race end flag has been set, the CPU 41 shifts theprocessing to step S209.

In step S209, the CPU 41 stores into the external storage device 25 thepopularity ranking stored in the RAM 42, as the previous race popularityranking in association with the racehorse IDs and the race No. The CPU41 then clears the number of existing bets and the popularity rankingwhich are stored in the RAM 42 (step S210), and completes the presentsubroutine.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of previous race popularity rankingtables stored in the external storage device.

In the previous race popularity ranking table, names of racehorses andprevious race popularity ranking data are stored in association with theracehorse IDs.

In the previous race popularity ranking data, a popularity ranking ofeach racehorse in each race is stored in association with the racehorseID. For example, in a race of race No. 0001, a racehorse ID 1 is rankedfirst, a racehorse ID 5 is ranked second, a racehorse ID 8 is rankedthird, and a racehorse ID 3 is ranked fourth. Further, the race No. is anumber provided to a racing game in each play of the racing game, and alarger number means a racing game played more recently.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of total popularity rankingdetermination processing performed in the main game portion.

First, the CPU 41 adds up the previous race popularity rankings of eachracehorse in past 50 racing games up to a previous racing game (stepS300). For example, when the largest race No. of the previous racepopularity ranking data stored in the previous race popularity rankingtable is 0178, the previous race popularity rankings of each racehorsein racing games of race No. 0129 to 0178 are added up.

Next, the CPU 41 calculates the number of running races of eachracehorse in the past 50 racing games up to the previous racing game(step S301). For example, when the largest race No. of the previous racepopularity ranking data stored in the previous race popularity rankingtable is 0178, the number of racing games in which each racehorse ran,out of the racing games of race No. 0129 to 0178, is calculated.

The CPU 41 divides the added-up previous race popularity rankingobtained in step S300 by the number of running races calculated in stepS301, to calculate an average popularity ranking of each racehorse (stepS302). The CPU 41 then determines a total popularity ranking from thetop in descending order of calculated average popularity ranking (stepS308). Namely, a racehorse with the highest average popularity rankingis ranked first in the total popularity ranking.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bet information displayprocessing performed in the main game portion.

The bet information display processing shown in FIG. 11 is a processingexecuted by the VDP 315 under control of the CPU 41.

First, the VDP 315 produces respective images showing the totalpopularity ranking, names of racehorses to run and odds thereof whichhave been determined in the processing of steps S100, S101 and S103,based on the dot data, the background image data and the like which arestored in the image ROM 312. The VDP 315 outputs the produced images(bet information image) to the main monitor 21 (step S400).

The bet information image displayed to the main monitor 21 in processingof step S400 will be described here.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the mainmonitor.

As shown in FIG. 12, a BET information image 2 is displayed over thewhole screen of the main monitor 21.

On the right-side portion of the BET information image 2, a totalpopularity ranking display region 8 is provided which displays a totalpopularity ranking showing a popularity ranking of each racehorsethroughout a prescribed number of races up to the last race. Among theracehorses displayed in the total popularity ranking, racehorses to runin a race currently accepting a BET-input are displayed in a differentmode from other racehorses not to run in the race. Namely, theracehorses to run in the race are displayed so as to be visuallyrecognizable by the player.

On the lower left side of the BET information image 2, a race coursedisplay region 9 is provided which displays a whole picture of a racecourse of the racing game currently accepting a BET-input. Symbol Sdenotes a start point of the race and symbol G denotes a goal point ofthe race.

The images displayed in the popularity ranking display region 6, a BETstate display region 7 and the total popularity ranking display region 8correspond to the images showing information based upon BETs in thepresent invention.

When the processing of step S400 shown in FIG. 11 is executed, the imageshowing the names of the racehorses to run is displayed in the horsename display region 4 of the bet information image 2, and the imageshowing the odds is displayed in the odds display region 5 of the betinformation image 2. Further, the image showing the total popularityranking is displayed in the total popularity ranking display region 8 ofthe bet information image 2.

Next, in step S401, the VDP 315 determines whether or not an update flaghas been set. When determining that the update flag has not been set,the VDP 315 returns the processing to step S401. On the other hand, whendetermining that the update flag has been set, the VDP 315 shifts theprocessing to step S402.

In step S402, the VDP 315 produces respective images showing the numberof existing bets and the popularity ranking of each racehorse which arestored in the RAM 42, based on the dot data, the background image data,and the like which are stored in the image ROM 312. The VDP 315 thenoutputs the produced images to the main monitor 21. By the processing ofstep S402, the image showing the number of existing bets is displayed inthe betting state display region 7 of the bet information image 2, andthe image showing the popularity ranking is displayed in the popularityranking display region 6 of the bet information image 2. It is to benoted that the image showing the numbers of existing bets and the imageshowing the popularity ranking correspond to the image showinginformation based on bets in the present invention.

Next, in step S403, the VDP 315 clears the update flag. Further, in stepS404, the VDP 315 determines whether or not a race end flag has beenset. When determining that the race end flag has not been set, the VDP315 returns the processing to step S401. On the other hand, whendetermining that the race end flag has been set, the VDP 315 completesthe present subroutine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of racing game executionprocessing performed in the main game portion.

First, in step S500, the CPU 41 determines an order of finish of eachracehorse in the racing game, based on random numbers generated by therandom number generator 35.

In step S501, the CPU 41 sets an effect pattern for image display, basedon the order of finish of each racehorse determined in the processing ofstep S500. Under control of the CPU 41, the VDP 315 produces an effectimage of each racehorse from the start to the finish based on thebackground image data, the image data of the racehorses, and the likewhich are stored in the image ROM 312.

In step S502, the CPU 41 controls the VDP 315 so as to display theeffect image (image showing a race process) produced in the processingof step S501, to the main monitor 21.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all theracehorses running in the racing game have crossed the finish line. Whendetermining that all the racehorses have not crossed the finish line,the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S502. On the other hand, whendetermining that all the racehorses have crossed the finish line, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S504.

In step S504, the CPU 41 sets the race end flag. It should be noted thatthe race end flag is a flag to be set at the end of the race and clearedwhen racehorses to run in a next race are determined. After theprocessing of step S504, the present subroutine is completed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bonus game processingperformed in the station.

First, the CPU 131 determines a racehorse to run in the bonus game (stepS600).

Next, the CPU 131 determines a ranking of finish of each racehorse (stepS601).

Next, the CPU 131 determines a racehorse of the player based upon bonusgame information received from the CPU 41 provided in the main gameportion 11 (step S602). The racehorse of the player is determined basedupon information regarding the ranking of finish of the racehorseincluded in the received bonus information. For example, when thereceived bonus information includes information that the ranking offinish of the racehorse is the first, the CPU 131 determines theracehorse which has been determined to finish first in step S601, as theracehorse of the player.

Next, the CPU 131 determines the ranking for JP based upon the receivedbonus information (step S603). For example, when the received bonus gameinformation includes information that the ranking is Mini, the CPU 131sets the ranking to Mini.

Next, the CPU 131 sets an effect pattern based upon the ranking offinish of each racehorse determined in step S601, the ranking for JPdetermined in step S603, and the like (step S604). Specifically, the CPUsets an effect pattern for making the racehorses run so that theracehorses finish in the order determined in step S601. Further, the CPUsets the effect pattern data in a manner that the image showing theranking determined in step S604 is displayed at a position the closestto the pall image 173 than any other images showing the rankings.

Next, the CPU 131 extracts images showing the respective rankings inprescribed order and arranges the images in prescribed order based uponthe effect pattern set in step S604 (step S605).

Next, the CPU 131 successively extracts images showing the racehorsesrunning based upon the effect pattern set in step S604 (step S606).

Next, the CPU 131 outputs the images extracted in step S605 to thesub-monitor 113. Thereby, the respective ranking images 172 for “Mini”,“Major” and “Grand” are displayed to the sub-monitor 113 in stripeshape, and these ranking images 172 displayed in the strip shape arescroll-displayed.

Further, the image showing the racehorses running is displayed to thesub-monitor 113 (step S607).

The CPU 131 repeats the processing of steps S605 to S607 before thefirst racehorse finishes (step S608: NO), and extracts an image showingthe ranking determined in step S603 (step S609) at the timing when thefirst racehorse finishes (step S608: YES).

Next, the CPU 131 extracts an image showing finishing of the firstracehorse (step S610). Next, the CPU 131 outputs the image extracted instep S610 to the sub-monitor 113. Thereby, the ranking image 172 showingthe ranking determined in step S603 (the ranking image 172 a showing“Mini” in FIG. 1) is displayed at a position closer to the pole image173 than the other images showing the rankings, and the image showingfinishing of the first racehorse is simultaneously displayed (stepS611). After executing the processing of step S611, the CPU 131terminates the present subroutine.

As mentioned above, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1 andthe game controlling method of a horse racing game, when a bonus gamehas been decided to be executed, the bonus game is executed. Moreover,when one ranking for payout is determined out of three rankings forpayout (Mini, Major, Grand), and also the racehorse allocated to theplayer finishes first in the bonus game, a payout based on thedetermined ranking is offered. Therefore the player can obtain thepayout based on the determined ranking when the bonus game has beendetermined to be executed and the racehorse allocated to the playerfinishes first in the bonus game.

As thus described, according to the horse racing game apparatus 1 andthe game controlling method of a horse racing game, when a BET onranking of finish of a racehorse is accepted from the player and theprediction of the player proves correct, it becomes possible to providethe player with a new game that is different from a normal racing gamein which a payout is offered in accordance with a BET. With this newgame provided, it is possible to prevent the player from getting boredand to make the player fully enjoy the game.

Further, since the ranking for payout to be offered is determined out ofthe plurality of rankings, even when the special racing game results inthe prescribed result, the ranking for payout to be offered is not thesame all the time. It is therefore possible to enhance the expectationof the player for the ranking for payout to be offered.

Further, after the strip-shaped image where images showing therespective rankings are arranged in a prescribed order isscroll-displayed to the sub-monitor 113 in accordance with the progressof the bonus game, the image showing the determined ranking is displayedat a position the closest to the poll image 173 than any other imagesshowing the ranking. Therefore, with concurrent execution of a visualeffect, it is possible to allow the player to easily recognize whichranking of the payout is offered.

Moreover, the player can be aware that the racehorse allocated to theplayer finished first and that a payout will be offered, and can also beaware of the ranking for the payout. Consequently, when an image showinga ranking for a large amount of payout is displayed, the player can feelpleasure at the large amount of payout in addition to the pleasure ofbeing offered a payout, and thus feel a large upsurge of sentiment.Further, when an image showing a ranking for a small amount of payout isdisplayed, the player feels the pleasure of being offered a payout, andtriggered by this pleasure, the player can have an expectation forobtaining a larger amount of payout next time.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the bonusgame is executed when the bonus game is determined to be executed.However, the prescribed condition in the present invention is notlimited to the determination to execute the bonus game. For example, theprescribed condition may be that a total number of BETs placed on thelast racing game has exceeded a prescribed number, or that a payout ofgame media in number not smaller than a prescribed number has beenoffered in the last game, or that prescribed time has come.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where a JP isoffered when the racehorse allocated to the player finishes first.However, the prescribed result in the present invention is not limitedto the first finishing of the racehorse allocated to the player. Theprescribed result may be that a previously set racehorse finishes first,or that the racehorse allocated to the player or the previously setracehorse finishes first with a lead of not smaller than a prescribeddistance (e.g. a distance corresponding to 10 horse bodies) over theother racehorses.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where, after eachranking image 172 is sequentially arranged in stripe shape andscroll-displayed, the ranking image 172 showing the determined rankingis displayed at a position closer to the pole image 173 than any otherranking images 172. However, the prescribed mode (mode for displayingthe image showing the ranking) in the present invention is not limitedto this example. For example, the images showing the respective rankingsmay be previously stop-displayed, and an image for pointing any of theimages showing the rankings (e.g. an image of a bar) may bescroll-displayed and then stop-displayed in a mode of pointing the imageshowing the determined ranking. Further, the images showing therespective rankings may be displayed on a mechanical reel, and this reelmay be rotated and then stopped so as to display the image showing thedetermined ranking. Moreover, the images showing the respective rankingsmay be displayed on an image patterned after a reel, and this image maybe scroll-displayed and stopped so as to display the image showing thedetermined ranking.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where theprogressive jackpot is the payout based upon the ranking in the presentinvention. However, the payout based upon the ranking in the presentinvention is not limited to this embodiment. The payout may be gamemedia in amount previously set in accordance with the ranking, e.g. 1000coins in the case of Mini, 10000 coins in the case of Major, and 100000coins in the case of Grand.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where racehorsesto run are determined based on random numbers generated by the randomnumber generator 35. However, in the present invention, racehorses maybe made to run in sequential order. For example, racehorses may be madeto run in a racing game in order of racehorse ID. Further, racehorsesmay be divided into groups each consisting of a prescribed number of(e.g. 6) racehorses, and made to run in the unit of groups in order ofgroup.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where oneracecourse is stored in the ROM 43. However, in the present invention, aplurality of racecourses may be stored in the ROM; for example, a dirtcourse, a turf course, a clockwise course, a counter-clockwise course,courses having different race distances, and the like may be stored inthe ROM.

Specifically, the CPU 41 selects one racecourse out of a plurality ofracecourses stored in the ROM 43 based on a random number generated bythe random number generator 35, and takes the selected racecourse as acourse of the race this time around. Further, the CPU 41 transmits toeach station 101 the selected racecourse as race information, along withracehorses to run and odds thereof which have been determined in theprocessing of steps S100 and S101.

In the present embodiment, the case of applying the present invention tothe horse racing game apparatus 1 has been described, but in the presentinvention, a bike racing game apparatus, a boat racing game apparatus, adog racing game apparatus, a car racing game apparatus, a motorcycleracing game apparatus, or the like may be adopted. In the case offorming such a configuration, bikes, motorboats, dogs, cars, ormotorcycles correspond to the race objects in the present invention.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been describedabove, it just presents a specific example, and does not particularlylimit the present invention. A specific configuration of each unit orthe like can be appropriately changed in terms of design. Further, thedescription of the effects made in the embodiment of the presentinvention are only recitation of the most preferable effects that arisefrom the present invention, and the effects according to the presentinvention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of thepresent invention.

1. A gaming machine, comprising a controller programmed to execute theprocessing of: (A) proceeding with a special racing game in which aplurality of race objects contend with each other for winning when aprescribed condition is established; (B) determining one ranking forpayout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; and (C) offering apayout based upon the ranking determined in said processing (B) when thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A) results in aprescribed result.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,comprising a display capable of displaying an image, wherein saidcontroller is further programmed to execute processing of (D) displayingan image showing the ranking determined in said processing (B) to saiddisplay device in a prescribed mode in accordance with the progress ofthe special racing game executed in said processing (A).
 3. The gamingmachine according to claim 2, wherein said prescribed result is that aprescribed race object finishes first, and said processing (D) includesthe processing of: (D-1) displaying an image showing a plurality of raceobjects running; (D-2) displaying images showing said respectiverankings in a first mode while the image displayed in said processing(D-1) is on display; (D-3) displaying an image showing the prescribedrace object finishing first; and (D-4) displaying the image showing theranking determined in said processing (B) at a position the closest toan image showing a goal point among the images showing said respectiverankings, when the image according to said processing (D-3) isdisplayed.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising aninput device with which a player can input a direction, wherein saidcontroller is further programmed to execute the processing of: (E)accepting a BET of game media on a normal racing game that is differentfrom said special racing game, from said input device; and (F)cumulatively storing at least part of the game media betted in saidprocessing (E), and said processing (C) is processing of offering apayout based upon the ranking determined in said processing (B) out ofthe game media cumulatively stored in said processing (F) when thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A) results in aprescribed result.
 5. A gaming machine, comprising a display capable ofdisplaying an image, and a controller, said controller programmed toexecute the processing of: (A) proceeding with a special racing game inwhich a plurality of race objects contend with each other for winningwhen a prescribed condition is established; (B) determining one rankingfor payout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; (C) offering apayout based upon the ranking determined in said processing (B) when thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A) results in aprescribed result; and (D) scroll-displaying to said display device astrip-shaped image where images showing said respective rankings arearranged in a prescribed order in accordance with the progress of thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A), and thenstop-displaying the image showing the ranking determined in saidprocessing (B).
 6. A gaming machine, comprising a display capable ofdisplaying an image, and a controller, said controller programmed toexecute the processing of: (A) proceeding with a special racing game inwhich a plurality of race objects contend with each other for winningwhen a prescribed condition is established; (B) determining one rankingfor payout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; (C) offering apayout based upon the ranking determined in said processing (B) when thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A) results in aprescribed result; and (D) scroll-displaying to said display device astrip-shaped image where images showing said respective rankings arearranged in a prescribed order in accordance with the progress of thespecial racing game executed in said processing (A), and then displayingthe image showing the ranking determined in said processing (B) at aposition closer to an image showing a goal point than any other imagesshowing the rankings.
 7. A game controlling method, comprising the stepsof: (A) proceeding with a special racing game in which a plurality ofrace objects contend with each other for winning when a prescribedcondition is established; (B) determining one ranking for payout, out ofa plurality of rankings for payout; and (C) offering a payout based uponthe ranking determined in said step (B) when the special racing gameexecuted in said step (A) results in a prescribed result.
 8. The gamecontrolling method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of(D) displaying an image showing the ranking determined in said step (B)to said display device in a prescribed mode in accordance with theprogress of the special racing game executed in said step (A).
 9. Thegame controlling method according to claim 8, wherein said prescribedresult is that a prescribed race object finishes first, and said step(D) includes the steps of: (D-1) displaying an image showing a pluralityof race objects running; (D-2) displaying images showing said respectiverankings in a first mode while the image displayed in said step (D-1) ison display; (D-3) displaying an image showing the prescribed race objectfinishing first; and (D-4) displaying the image showing the rankingdetermined in said step (B) at a position the closest to an imageshowing a goal point among the images showing said respective rankings,when the image according to said step (D-3) is displayed.
 10. The gamecontrolling method according to claim 7, comprising the steps of: (E)accepting a BET of game media on a normal racing game that is differentfrom said special racing game, from said input device; and (F)cumulatively storing at least part of the game media betted in said step(E), and said step (C) is step of offering a payout based upon theranking determined in said step (B) out of the game media cumulativelystored in said step (F) when the special racing game executed in saidstep (A) results in a prescribed result.
 11. A game controlling method,comprising the steps of: (A) proceeding with a special racing game inwhich a plurality of race objects contend with each other for winningwhen a prescribed condition is established; (B) determining one rankingfor payout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; (C) offering apayout based upon the ranking determined in said step (B) when thespecial racing game executed in said step (A) results in a prescribedresult; and (D) scroll-displaying to said display device a strip-shapedimage where images showing said respective rankings are arranged in aprescribed order in accordance with the progress of the special racinggame executed in said step (A), and then stop-displaying the imageshowing the ranking determined in said step (B).
 12. A game controllingmethod, comprising the steps of: (A) proceeding with a special racinggame in which a plurality of race objects contend with each other forwinning when a prescribed condition is established; (B) determining oneranking for payout, out of a plurality of rankings for payout; (C)offering a payout based upon the ranking determined in said step (B)when the special racing game executed in said step (A) results in aprescribed result; and (D) scroll-displaying to said display device astrip-shaped image where images showing said respective rankings arearranged in a prescribed order in accordance with the progress of thespecial racing game executed in said step (A), and then displaying theimage showing the ranking determined in said step (B) at a positioncloser to an image showing a goal point than any other images showingthe rankings.